We investigate the design and synthesis of
organic macromolecules and oligomers capable of controlled-assembly or
self-organization as ultrathin films. This includes functional amphiphile
synthesis, polymerization on surfaces, network formation, and preparation
of
π-electron conjugated polymers. These materials are often: photochromic,
electrically conducting, photoluminescent, electroluminescent, and nonlinear
optically active. Electropolymerization is utilized to synthesize conjugated
polymer ultrathin films
in-situ. The challenge is to determine structure-property
relationships as it relates to these reduced dimensions and interfacial
phenomena. We are also involved in investigating nanoparticles, nanostructured
surfaces, and nanocomposite materials with an organic or polymer component.
Surface initiated polymerization (SIP) and block copolymers are also widely
utilized. To prepare ultrathin films we have utilized self-assembled monolayers
(SAM), Langmuir-Blodgett (LB), and the electrostatic layer-by-layer (ELBL)
methods. Analysis includes: surface plasmon spectroscopy (SPS), atomic force
microscopy (AFM), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), polarized UV-vis, IR
spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Thus, interfacial phenomena issues are
studied using surface sensitive measurement techniques on new materials. In
the area of biotechnology, there is interest in the preparation and application
of these materials for bioadhesion, biosensors, and drug delivery. In summary,
the projects, collaborations, and approaches are multidisciplinary. We have
combined elements of organic and polymer synthesis, physical methods, and
molecular engineering. The research themes that have been developed will
train Ph.D. scientists who will be skilled in both organic and polymer
synthesis and ultrathin films fabrication and analysis.
